Asking Someone For Support?

[joeylittle]

I'm going to offer a different perspective, @Solara : I've been in a similar situation and was glad to be able to provide that initial point of contact that gave the student access to real help. It's up to the professor to take care of herself. If she didn't want to establish herself as a "reference point" for @theinfinitebee then she wouldn't have brought it up.

We are more often the first contact point for students having problems of many varieties, and it's very straightforward to guide the student to the appropriate venue for real help.

Generally I've found the value in sharing certain kinds of personal info with students is that it helps to de-stigmatize the issue. That, in and of itself, can be very impactful.

Of course, we are not trained therapists, most of us; we are mentors. If one us willing to do it, modeling a successful result of therapy can be great mentor ship. It all depends on the individuals.

 

[ghotiff]

My concern @joeylittle is that she disclosed PTSD but didn't offer to help etc. I at times have disclosed things out of deep feeling for the other person, but this in no way means I am strong enough to support someone.

 

[joeylittle]

That's a good point, @ghotiff. And regardless - a teacher is not a substitute for a therapist. I kind of assumed the teacher would have ended the disclosure with resources. That's what I get for not reading closely.